BRUM PLANNING PROBE OVER MULLANEY CLAIMS

27-05-2008

Birmingham Council’s Chief Executive has launched an investigation into claims that the city’s planning department misled camcorder councillor Martin Mullaney and ignored his complaints about a listed building in Balsall Heath.

Mullaney’s frustration at the lack of information he was getting about the former tramshed on Moseley Road led him to making a controversial video about the site – and subsequently falling foul of the local government standards board (see link here).

Now Chief Exec Stephen Hughes has promised to examine why questions raised through official channels fell on deaf ears.

Mullaney claims he was even misled by officers, and says:  “I want it clarified as to whether this was due to incompetence or malpractice…the Planning Department have repeatedly turned a blind eye to breaches in planning conditions on this building.”

He also questions whether other councillors were involved, saying, “I would particularly be interested if unreasonable pressure has been put on the Planning Department by any elected members which has forced the Planning Department to turn a blind eye to what has been taking place at 582 Moseley Road.”

Meanwhile The Stirrer has finally contacted site owner Safdar Zaman, but beyond saying that he had “no vendetta against anyone” he declined to comment further about the state of the building.

Our door, as always, remains open should he wish to add anything.

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